It's The End of the World as we Know it, and I Feel Fine

"It’s the end of the world as we know it, and I feel fine..."
R.E.M.

December 21, 2012, is the end of the Mayan calendar, and many people believe this will coincide with some type of global apocalypse. However, the end of the Mayan calendar is only one of many so-called millennial “end of the world” scenarios which can be found in the lore of cultures from around the world, with some predicting an apocalyptic end and others a new beginning.

Our learning community will focus on this theme: Why have human societies around the world been drawn throughout history to such millennial scenarios? And, if it is indeed the end of one world and the rebirth of another, what will this new world look like? Will it be the apocalyptic view portrayed in the recently released hit movie Hunger Games? Or will we transcend our struggles and create a sustainable, livable world for all?

Field trips may include the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) in Toronto, Canada, and a special opportunity to travel to the Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico, in January. Both trips will require a passport.